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Community Fundraising Kit

Fundraising is a fun and rewarding way for individuals, schools, clubs, community groups and workplaces to support the vital work of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT.

With no Government funding, we rely on the support of the community to provide our vital services to children and adults who are blind or vision impaired.

The Community Fundraising Kit is designed to help you organise your own fundraising event or initiative. The kit contains everything you need to know to get started, including guidelines, activity suggestions and information about your responsibilities as a fundraiser. Once you have decided to fundraise for Guide Dogs NSW/ACT there are just 3 simple steps to follow:

  1. Download the Application for Authority to Fundraise and Event Proposal - the Charitable Fundraising Act 1991 of NSW (www.olgr.nsw.gov.au) requires that Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, as an organization granting authorities to fundraise, is aware of the activities authorised volunteers will be engaging in to raise funds for our work. We require a brief outline of your event, where, when and how. Upon completion and return to us, we will send you a Letter of Authority to confirm that we have received your details and have approved your fundraising activity. To enable Guide Dogs to keep in touch with its supporters and to comply with its legal obligations, we keep a register of fundraising events.
  2. The Working with Children check (where applicable) must be filled in for events and fundraisers held in child related situations (pre schools, schools, youth groups etc).
  3. Within 7 days of the date of the event, send any funds raised back to Guide Dogs NSW/ACT. (Can send cash, cheque, money order, credit card or direct deposit). Please note Authority Number on any paperwork to ensure monies are attributed to your fundraising activity.

If at any time you have any questions please contact the Fundraising Department on 02 9412 9300.

Some easy ideas to get you started:

  • Trivia night - A trivia night is a great way to get people from all backgrounds together for a few laughs in a fun, relaxed environment. Why not get some friends/colleagues together and test your general knowledge.
  • Personal Challenge - You can turn almost any activity into an "athon" and therefore into a sponsored event. Whether it's a marathon, walkathon, skipathon, eatathon or sleepathon - just pick an activity that you're good at or that you enjoy - and find yourself some sponsors. Check out Everyday Hero, it has never been easier to raise money for Guide Dogs; either by participating in organised events such as the City2Surf or Rebel Sport Run for Fun or your own event.
  • Sausage Sizzle - get students/staff/management on board for a yummy lunch time sizzle. See your local butcher, he may donate sausages.
  • Walk, don't ride - give up taking the lift and walk up and down stairs for one day. Anyone breaking the rules pays a fine!
  • Organise a morning or afternoon tea - cook and sell goodies to fellow club members, students or work colleagues, 1 x cup cake = gold coin donation.
  • Golf Day - each entrant pays a set fee to play, maybe the local golf course will come on board by offering discounted green fees. Often local businesses will assist with a prize, if asked.
  • Raffle - Everyone enjoys a raffle. You could get people to donate (new) unwanted gifts or seek donated prizes from local businesses.
  • Garage sale - Pool any unwanted items with friends or neighbours and hold a street stall.
  • Mufti day or best hat/loud tie competition - Hold a casual day or fancy dress among friends or colleagues for a gold coin 'fine' donation.
  • Guessing competition - Try guessing the number of lollies in the jar, the weight of your manager or CEO, or the baby in the photo guessing competition. Charge an entry fee and have a small prize for the winner.
  • Special Celebrations - Why not ask guests to make a donation to Guide Dogs NSW/ACT rather than give a gift for that special celebration (milestone birthday or anniversary) We can supply special gift envelopes to help ensure donors receive a receipt. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

The range of ideas and activities for fundraising is as broad as your imagination. Get staff, students, colleagues, family and friends involved in the fun!!! Your help will mean Guide Dogs NSW/ACT will be able to continue to provide our services, free of charge, to those that need them.

Below are some examples of how your fundraising will help us to continue to provide our services:

  • $25 will buy a quality leather dog's collar
  • $40 is enough to provide a vision impaired person with a folding mobility cane
  • $50 is enough to provide a high-visibility raincoat for a Guide Dog
  • $75 will provide a new Guide Dog user with a Guide Dog Instructor for an hour
  • $100 is enough to vaccinate a dog against deadly diseases like distemper
  • $250 is enough to purchase a special harness, the sensitive piece of equipment through which Guide Dogs lead and communicate with their users.
  • $390 will provide an electronic Miniguide
  • $850 buys a pedigree puppy who will one day become a life-changing Guide Dog

Resources available for download